Cold Feet

CHRISTINE

After the skank leaves, I turn on Rick.

“What the fuck was that?” I ask.

“Hey,” he says. “I didn’t do anything. You saw what happened.”

“How the hell did you meet that skank?”

Rick decides to omit their history. “She works with Lara. Lara asked her to step in after James’ stroke. You know she hasn’t been at work since his stroke.”

“Well, what the hell? Am I supposed to believe that she just decided to try and kiss you right now? How long have you been working on the wedding together?”

“Christine,” Rick says putting his hands on my shoulders. I brush him off. “Listen, it wasn’t my choice. Lara recommended her after James’ stroke. I trust Lara’s judgement. I had no idea she was going to do that.”

Rick can’t be honest. He thinks it will just make Viola’s situation worse. In all honesty though, he hadn’t tried to do anything.

“What the hell is wrong with your shirt?” I ask realizing that it’s wet.

“She spilled coffee on it.,” I reply.

“Oh how sweet. So she could pretend to wipe it off and feel you up?” I ask cynically.

“Actually, I think it was an honest mistake,” Rick replies.

“What, are you defending her now?” I ask. I’m looking for someone to vent on and he’s the only one in the room.

“Chris, calm down please. It’s over. She’s gone and …”

“You’re damn right she’s gone,” I say. “I’m calling Lara.”

Rick wants to object but he doesn’t. He knows there’s no point. It’ll only make matters worse. I dial Lara and when she answers I first ask her about James. She tells me he hasn’t improved. I then proceed to tell her what just happened and tell her I demand that she fires Viola.

Lara is shocked and struggles to believe it. I put Rick on the phone and he confirms what happened. He hands the phone back to me and Lara tells me, she’ll let Viola go and apologizes. I apologize to Lara as well because I know she has no other back up which means she’ll have to return to the office to run the business herself.

Then I grab Rick and take him home. That night we make love like we have not made love in a long while and I realize I have been neglecting him for Grady. I realize I need to be careful or I could blow this.

to work the next day. She calls me after Viola has visited her office and returned the company laptop and phone. I apologize to her again for putting her in the predicament she’s in

to keep the

do you mean you think it’s

everything for the wedding, I’m guessing

us?” Grady asks. “Haven’t I proved myself to you enough? How much is it going to take before you decide I’ve done

boy going to cry?” I ask sarcastically. “Don’t forget who left who the first time. Who

already?” Grady asks, the irritation in his voice

but it’s not your decision to make. You

beginning to think that maybe

What’s that supposed to mean?” I

hell would you marry someone else if you’re interested in me? If you’re interested in me but aren’t sure if it’s going to work between us because of our past, then make a decision one way or the other. Clouding your vision with another asshole on the side isn’t doing either of us any favors. Even worse, you’re planning to marry him but will leave him just like this,” Grady snaps his fingers, “if you decide you want to be with me. Why do you want to endure the shit of a divorce if you can avoid it? I’m beginning to

like a little child! You’re allowed to fuck people over but don’t let it happen to you. Right? Well if you don’t like it, you know where the door

apartment,” Grady reminds

telling me I know where the door is?”

“Maybe,” he replies angrily.

I slam it behind me and head for the elevator lobby. I call the elevator and wait for

I step inside. The elevator is made of glass and I can see down to the lobby of the hotel. I press the button for the ground floor and look down at the lobby as I wait for the doors

with me I have

at me in disbelief and

“Fuck!’ I say.

to look where I’m looking but I stop him.

try to consider my options and make a decision quickly. “Don’t get out of the elevator with me. Go back up.

“Why? What’s the matter?”

my eye I can see Lara moving toward the elevators. I hope I can get out before she get’s to them. I don’t want her to see Grady. She knows him. This

say to Grady. He punches a number on the elevator panel and presses the close door button. The doors start closing as Lara rounds the corner. Her face

innocently as possible and starts walking towards her. She reaches me, takes

was that?” she

think she’d seen

you just kiss Grady in

what you think it is. He just grabbed

a whole lot like you

you but he’s strong. I promise you he’ll think twice about